Disappointment over gay marriage vote

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AP

Christians have said they will continue to defend the traditional definition of marriage following last night's Commons vote on the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill.

The Bill was backed by a majority of 400 to 175, despite more than half of Conservative MPs refusing to give their support.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the legislation was "about equality".

"But it is also about making our society stronger," he said.

"I know there are strong views on both sides of the argument - I accept that. But this is an important step forward for our country."

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Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg welcomed the outcome of the debate, saying Britain would look back on it as a "landmark for equality". Labour leader Ed Miliband said it was a "proud day" for Britain.

Christians have raised serious concerns about the implications of the change for society and religious freedom.

Director of advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance, Dr Dave Landrum, said the Government had "no right and no mandate to privatise marriage".

He contended that the institution of marriage would only be weakened by a redefinition allowing gay couples to marry.

"Civil partnerships will eventually have to be opened to heterosexual couples, individual rights claims will inevitably erode most of the so-called protections for religious groups, and multiple forms of marriage will begin to appear thereby undermining the institution itself," he said.

"What is so crazy about this is that by applying free market principles to marriage the state will also need to enforce a new social orthodoxy by dramatically interfering in family life, religion and society."

Redefining marriage would require "vast and incalculable changes" to local government, the legal system, health, welfare, employment and education, he further warned.